16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. The glorious description that the apostle gives of the gospel; It is the power of God unto salvation. That is, the preaching of it is attended by, and accompanied by an almighty power which renders it effectual to salvation if we do not bolt our ears and hearts against it.
Learn, That the plain and persuasive preaching of the gospel, is the chosen instrument in God’s hand, which he uses and honours for the conveyance of spiritual life into the souls of men, though it is despised and ridiculed by the men of the world. The gospel is powerful; it is the power, not of men or angels, but the power of God; not the essential, but instrumental power of God; it works as an instrument, yet not a natural, but as a moral instrument in God’s hands; freely, not arbitrarily. The word gives out to us, as God gives in to that; the power of the gospel is not from the preachers of the gospel, therefore do not idolize the preachers; but they are instruments in God’s hand, their words are the vehicle or organ through which the vital power of the Spirit is conveyed; therefore do not vilify and think meanly of them.
Observe, 2. The solemn protestation and bold profession which the apostle makes of his not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ; I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
Where note, 1. He does not say, I am not afraid to preach the gospel; but I am not ashamed, because shame hinders our readiness more than fear; a man may be fit and ready to preach the gospel, and yet be afraid to undertake it; but he that is ashamed of the work, can never be fit for it.
Note, 2. That when the apostle says, he is not ashamed of the gospel, more is intended than expressed: I am so far from being ashamed, that I account it my glory; as if the apostle had said, “Verily I esteem it the highest honour that God can confer upon me to preach the gospel at Rome, though it should cost me my life.”
Oh, how exceeding well does a bold profession of the gospel become all the ministers and members of Christ Jesus! Let all say with the apostle, We are not ashamed of the gospel; none of the ministers of Christ to preach it, none of the members of Christ to profess and practise it.